ACUP Program Specialist

Department Summary: At the VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service.

We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seek funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements.

Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has placed VCU among the nation’s premier public research universities.

Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The ACUP Program Specialist will play a key role in supporting the IACUC and the Animal Care and Use Program by ensuring smooth and efficient management of all IACUC administrative and compliance activities. This position requires cross-departmental collaboration to ensure that research involving animals is conducted ethically and in compliance with all regulations. Primary responsibilities include:

1. Providing administrative and post-approval monitoring support to ensure compliance with policies, guidelines, and SOPs, including conducting record reviews and routine audits, tracking corrective actions, maintaining accurate documentation, assisting with administrative tasks assigned by PAM staff, and supporting compliance-related inquiries and follow-up.
2. Managing and coordinating group meetings as assigned by the Director, IACUC Chair, or supervisor.
3. Coordinate, conduct and follow-up on inspections for protocols involving minimal to moderate complexity.
4. Attend IACUC meetings and semiannual inspections and assist with the coordination and management of special projects and program initiatives.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., animal science, biology, regulatory affairs) is preferred. 
• Experience: Prior experience in IACUC administration is preferred. 
• Skills: Strong organizational and communication skills with proficiency in managing databases and generating reports.
• Highest degree of professionalism, civility and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Strong work ethic with a reliable attendance record.
• Proven ability to effectively identify, analyze, and resolve potential issues.
• Excellent multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate respectfully and supportively with individuals at all organizational levels.

Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation MBU

Department: Animal Care and Use Program

Salary Range: up to $60,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 25231N - Specialist LG 1